Which Goldstein Edition Is Better for a Classical Mechanics Course?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around which edition of Goldstein's classical mechanics textbook is more suitable for a course, specifically comparing the 2nd and 3rd editions. Participants express their preferences and considerations regarding the content and changes between the editions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Navneeth notes that the 3rd edition includes an introduction to non-linear dynamics, which he finds intriguing, despite it not being part of the course.
  • Another participant mentions that the 3rd edition has new chapters but also omits some chapters present in the 2nd edition, raising concerns about the completeness of the material for their upper undergraduate course.
  • One participant suggests that the latest edition is generally the better choice, implying that it would be more beneficial in the long run.
  • A later reply echoes the sentiment of choosing the latest edition, indicating a preference for updated content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which edition is preferable, with some advocating for the latest edition while others are concerned about the removal of content in the 3rd edition. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which edition is definitively better.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the importance of the omitted chapters in the 3rd edition versus the new content it introduces. There is also uncertainty regarding how the changes may affect the course material.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators considering which edition of Goldstein's classical mechanics textbook to purchase for coursework or self-study may find this discussion relevant.

neutrino
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Hello all,
We are having a course on classical mechanics this year. I'm planning to buy Goldstein. There seems to be a quite a number of changes between the 2nd and 3rd eds. I think the 3rd has an intro' to non-linear dynamics. Even though that topic isn't included in the course, I am intrigued by the ideas behind fractals and chaos.

In your opinion, which edition is the better one?

Thanks in advance,
Navneeth
 
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Instead of creating a new thread and since my question is the same:
I'm also planning to buy Goldstein's book but I doubt about the editions. I've read on Amazon that the 3rd has new chapters but also some chapters in the 2nd edition got removed in the 3rd.
I need this book (I already have Landau's first tome) for an upper undergraduate course. I do not need to cover chaos theory in details.
So... which edition do you recommend and why?
Thanks.
 
How much am I bid for my first edition? :smile: No seriously, without having seen either the 2nd or 3rd the answer is obvious: go with the latest. Five years from now you'll be glad you did.
 
Bill_K said:
How much am I bid for my first edition? :smile: No seriously, without having seen either the 2nd or 3rd the answer is obvious: go with the latest. Five years from now you'll be glad you did.

Ok thanks. I'm going to follow your thoughts unless someone else makes me doubt.
 

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